Weed Awareness444 Cherrycreek Road, Bldg. B, Lincoln, NE 68528 • 402-441-7817 • lancaster.ne.gov/320/Weed-Control-Authority

The Weed Control Authority is responsible for implementation of the Nebraska Noxious Weed Control Act throughout Lancaster County. The authority has also provided the inspection and administration of the

City of Lincoln’s Weed Abatement Program since entering into an interlocal agreement with the city in 1996.

2021

An aggressive, nonnative variety of phragmites (Phragmites australis), also known as common reed, is threatening the ecological health of Nebraska’s wetlands and riparian areas.• This invasive is rapidly

invading, with over 800 documented locations in Lancaster County.

• Phragmites is a long-living perennial, warm-season grass that can grow in dense clonal stands.

• Plants can reach 20 feet in height, yet more than 80% of the yearly biomass is contained below ground in a dense mass of roots and rhizomes.

The ProblemOnce phragmites invades,

it causes adverse ecological, economic and social impacts including:• Threats to waterways, wetlands

and riparian areas, which are our most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems.

• Domination of native vegetation, displacing desirable native plant species and reducing our plant diversity.

• Reduction of wildlife habitat diversity resulting in loss of food and shelter.

• Alteration of water conveyance, restricting waterways, causing erosion of banks and field edges due to its ability to clog waterways.

Weed Authority

Controlling and Managing Phragmites

Long-Term Management And

MonitoringBecause of the pervasiveness

of this species and its ability to aggressively recolonize through seed or rhizomes, long-term management and monitoring are necessary.• The control method using

imazapyr described at https://www.lancaster.ne.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7797/Guide-to-Long-term-Phragmites-Management is likely to be successful in controlling phragmites for 1–2 years without additional action. However, phragmites typically begins to recover 3 years after treatment and will become reestablished if follow-up management is not implemented.

• Annual maintenance is essential to the success of any long-term management plan.

• Causing “drying” of wetlands through increased evaporation and trapping of sediments.

• Reduction of property values due to use impairment.

• Restriction of access for recreation, boating, swimming, fishing and hunting.

• Creation of potentially serious fire hazard to structures due to dry biomass during the dormant season.

Recommended Management

Because of the physiology of phragmites, well-established stands are difficult to control with only one herbicide treatment.• An initial herbicide treatment

stresses the plants, making them particularly vulnerable to subsequent treatments.

• Herbicide treatments in conjunction with prescribed fire, mechanical treatment or flooding have proven to be effective in controlling phragmites and allowing native plants to reestablish.

• Monitoring and follow-up

treatments will be necessary to successfully manage phragmites.

Herbicide Control Methods

Few techniques are fully effective when used alone, and reinvasion by phragmites is likely when the management strategy is not maintained.• The optimal methods for a

site will depend upon existing conditions and management goals.

• Effective control of phragmites, especially larger, well-established stands, is likely to require multiple treatments using a combination of methods.

• The use of herbicide treatments in mid- to late-summer is recommended as the primary control method and the first step toward effective control.

• The best time to get control is when the patch is new and there are just a few scattered plants. Once it gets estab-lished, it will form a dense

patch and control will become much more difficult and ex-pensive.

• Research and field data results show that herbicide control with the active ingredient imazapyr (Polaris, Arsenal, Ecomazapyr, Habitat) has proven to be the most effective. Glyphosate (Rodeo or Roundup) will have some effect but does not have the residual of imazapyr. Always use a good surfactant to help achieve successful results.

• Both imazapyr and aquatic glyphosate can be used in and around water.

Drones Help Manage

Phragmites2020 marked the start

of what will, most likely, be a common sight in future years. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) — more commonly known as a drone — was used to apply an herbicide treatment to invasive phragmites in Lancaster County. Rantizo, a private company with a local applicator located in McCool Junction, Neb., was hired to apply the treatment to private land. They did work across the state for Cooperative Weed Management groups as well as private landowners.

As technology continues to improve, the use of drones will play a huge roll in getting ahead of this wetland invader. Phragmites tends to grow in hard-to-reach areas, and traditional application methods are not very feasible or economical. Lancaster County Weed Control Authority is always looking at new ways to manage this aggressive plant.

WEED AWARENESS

Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.)

Wild parsnip is an invasive plant that originally came from Europe and Asia. It was brought to North America by European settlers and grown as a root vegetable. Over time, it escaped from cultivation, and is now common throughout the U.S.

DescriptionWild parsnip is an aggressive,

monocarpic perennial plant that germinates from seed, spends the first year or more as a rosette, eventually bolts to a height of 4–6 feet into a mature plant in the second year or later, flowers June through late August, sets seed and dies.

HabitatWild parsnip invades along road and

rail rights-of-way. It is also found invading a variety of disturbed landscapes including trails, natural areas, pastures, forest and field margins, waste areas, unmaintained gravel pits and idle lands. It can tolerate dry, moist or wet soils, but does not grow in shaded areas.

Means of Spread and Distribution

This plant spreads primarily by seeds. Seeds remain viable in the soil for several years.

Impact Wild parsnip is highly invasive and,

if ignored, can spread rapidly, developing into large monocultures that replace native animal and plant habitat. It reduces the quality of agricultural forage crops and can negatively impact livestock if ingested. The plant sap contains toxic chemicals that are

activated by sunlight and can cause serious burns and blisters to human skin after contact.

ManagementA sound management plan of foliar

herbicides, mowing or digging is necessary to manage this species and will take several years of commitment to ensure that the population has decreased significantly and is not a serious problem.

Hand pulling is not recommended as the sap is toxic to human skin. Small numbers of plants can be removed by hand if using gloves and clothing to protect the skin from sap exposure.

ToxicityWild parsnip causes phytophotoderma-

titis when skin comes in contact with plant sap in the presence of sunlight, it can cause severe rashes, blisters and discoloration of skin. Appropriate protective clothing in-cluding gloves, long sleeves and long pants should be worn and direct contact with the plant should be avoided. If sap comes in contact with skin, avoid exposure to sun-light, immediately wash skin with soap and water and seek medical attention.

ID and ControlWild parsnip is on Nebraska’s Invasive

Plants Watch List and its spread being monitored.

For help with identification or control recommendations, contact your local county weed control superintendent.

Source: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota L.)

Queen Anne’s lace is a white, flowering plant and is often invasive, native to Europe and southwest Asia. It earned its common name from a legend that tells of Queen Anne of England (1665–1714) pricking her finger and a drop of blood landed on white lace she was sewing. Belonging to the carrot family, Queen Anne’s lace is a biennial also known as wild carrot. Early Europeans cultivated Queen Anne’s lace, and the Romans ate it as a vegetable. American colonists boiled the taproots, sometimes in wine as a treat. Interestingly, Queen Anne’s lace is high in sugar, second only to the beet among root vegetables.

Distinguishing FeaturesThe Queen Anne’s lace flower

resembles lace, and oftentimes, the flower has a solitary purple dot in the center. In addition, the root smells like carrots!

FlowersQueen Anne’s lace flowers have a

flat-topped white umbel, sometimes with a solitary purple flower in the center. These flowers bloom from late spring until mid-fall. Each flower cluster is made up of numerous tiny white flowers. The flower cluster start out curled up and opens to allow pollination. The cluster then rolls itself shut again, like a reverse umbrella when it goes to seed at the end of the season.

HabitatQueen Anne’s lace is found in fields,

meadows, waste areas, roadsides and disturbed habitats. They are very hardy and thrive in a dry environment.

Means of Spread and Distribution

This plant spreads primarily by its tiny seeds that are easily spread by the wind. Seeds remain viable in the soil for several years.

Edible PartsUsing first year Queen Anne’s lace

plants are recommended. Roots are long, pale, woody and are finger-thin. They are used in soups, stews and in making tea. First year leaves can be chopped and tossed into a salad. Flower clusters can be “french-fried” or fresh flowers can be tossed into a salad. The aromatic seed is used as a flavoring in stews and soups.

ToxicitySkin contact with the foliage

of Daucus carota, especially wet foliage, can cause skin irritation in some people. It may also have a mild effect on horses.

ID and ControlQueen Anne’s lace was recently

added to the Nebraska Invasive plant Watch List to be monitored. It is known to be very aggressive, especially in roadsides. Watch for this invader on your property.

For help with identification or for recommendations for control, contact your local county weed control superintendent.

TAKE2 Two minutes to read about two invasive plants which are working to establish themselves in Lancaster County

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activated by sunlight and can cause serious burns and blisters to human skin after contact.

ManagementA sound management plan of foliar

herbicides, mowing or digging is necessary to manage this species and will take several years of commitment to ensure that the population has decreased significantly and is not a serious problem.

Hand pulling is not recommended as the sap is toxic to human skin. Small numbers of plants can be removed by hand if using gloves and clothing to protect the skin from sap exposure.

ToxicityWild parsnip causes phytophotoderma-

titis when skin comes in contact with plant sap in the presence of sunlight, it can cause severe rashes, blisters and discoloration of skin. Appropriate protective clothing in-cluding gloves, long sleeves and long pants should be worn and direct contact with the plant should be avoided. If sap comes in contact with skin, avoid exposure to sun-light, immediately wash skin with soap and water and seek medical attention.

ID and ControlWild parsnip is on Nebraska’s Invasive

Plants Watch List and its spread being monitored.

For help with identification or control recommendations, contact your local county weed control superintendent.

Source: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Lancaster County Noxious Weed Control Authority serves the citizens of Lancaster County to protect effectively against designated noxious weeds which constitute a present threat to the continued economic and environmental value of lands in Lancaster County.

Our office implements the mandates of the State of Nebraska Noxious Weed Control Act by setting forth management objectives and plans, methods or practices which utilize a variety of techniques for the integrated management of noxious weeds. In establishing a coordinated program for the integrated management of noxious weeds, it is the County’s intent to encourage and require all appropriate and available management methods, while promoting those methods which are the most environmentally benign, and which are practical and economically feasible.

Noxious Weed Program

The Weed Control Authority utilizes a three-phase program to assist landowners in reducing the number of noxious-weed-infested acres in the county.

Phase 1: Prevent the development of new noxious and invasive weed infestations.

Phase 2: Provide education and public outreach on noxious and invasive weed control.

Phase 3: Provide ongoing management of State of Nebraska and Lancaster County designated noxious weeds, as well as the City of Lincoln Weed Abatement program.

Nebraska’s Noxious Weed Control Act states: It is the duty of each person who owns or controls land to effectively

control noxious weeds on such land. Noxious Weeds in County

RoadsidesLandowners are encouraged

to control noxious weeds along property they own. If not controlled by the adjacent owner, Lancaster County Weed Control will control the perennial noxious weeds such as phragmites, sericea lespedeza and leafy spurge in the county roadsides.

Lancaster County works closely with landowners with specialty crops and offers free-of-charge “NO SPRAY ZONE” signs when an agreement is signed. The agreement requires the landowner to control all the noxious weeds in their adjacent right of way.

City of Lincoln Weed Abatement

ProgramLancaster County Weed

Control Authority is responsible to carry out the administration of the City of Lincoln’s Weed Abatement program since entering an interlocal agreement with the city in 1996.

The City of Lincoln’s Weed Abatement Ordinance requires landowners within city limits to maintain the height of weeds and worthless vegetation below six inches. This includes all areas to the center of the street and/or alley that adjoins their property. Our inspector’s complete inspec-tions based on pre-selected properties due to their history, request received from the public and by observing severe yards while conducting other inspec-tions. When a property is found to be in violation, the owner of record is notified with a legal notice. If the property remains uncontrolled at the expiration of

the legal notice, the Weed Control Authority will hire a contractor to cut the property. Landowners are responsible to pay the cost of control plus an administrative fee. If the cost of control remains unpaid, a lien is placed against the property until paid.

City of Lincoln Landfills The Weed Control Authority

is responsible for managing noxious weeds at the 48th Street and the Bluff Road landfills. To track of the spread of noxious weeds and the effectiveness of the control, the landfills are annually inspected and mapped prior to treatment.

Lancaster County Abandoned Cemeteries

Mowing and general maintenance on six abandoned cemeteries throughout the county falls under the supervision of the Weed Control Authority.

Cemeteries included are the County Poor Farm, Dietz, Evangelical, Highland Precinct, Jordan and Uphoff.

Special recognition goes to the following volunteers:• Lincoln Tree Service for tree

trimming and removal• Dave Miller for mowing Jordan

• Terry Briley for mowing Evangelical

• Clark Liesveld and Boy Scouts of America Troop 64 for mowing Dietz

• Troy Henning for mowing Highland Precinct & Uphoff

• Larry England for mowing the Poor Farm

Lancaster County Weed Control 2020 Review

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NOXIOUS WEEDSNumber of Lancaster County

Sites in Violation

Lighter colors = City of Lincoln

Darker colors = Outside of Lincoln

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430

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200

300

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NOXIOUS WEEDSNumber of Lancaster County

Sites in Violation

Lighter colors = City of Lincoln

Darker colors = Outside of Lincoln

395

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ll Musk thistlell Phragmitesll Leafy spurge

ll Sericea lespedezall Purple loosestrifell Knotweed

ll Canada thistlellTeasel

Lancaster County Noxious Weeds

The County Commissioners serve as the Lancaster County Weed Control Authority. Currently Brent Meyer serves as the superintendent and supervises a seasonal staff of six weed inspectors with the assistance of Chief Inspector Pat Dugan and Account Clerk Danni McGown.

WEED AWARENESS

Cutleaf & Common Teasel

Height 4–8 ft Height 3–6 ft

Lancaster County’s N xi us Weeds

Musk Thistle

It is the duty of each person who owns or controls land to effectively control noxious weeds on such land. Noxious weed is a legal term used to denote a destructive or harmful weed for the purpose of regulation.

The Director of Agriculture establishes which plants are noxious. These non-native plants compete aggressively with desirable plants and vegetation. Failure to control noxious weeds in this state is a serious problem which is detrimental to the production of crops and livestock,

and to the welfare of residents of this state. Noxious weeds may also devalue land and reduce tax revenue.

Lavender to purple flowers

Height 1.6–9.8 ft

Nebraska’s N xi us Weeds

Pink to purple flowers

Mature seedhead

Leafy Spurge

Height .3–2.6 ft

Purple Loosestrife

Height 1.3–8 ft

Canada Thistle

Height 1–3.9 ft

Sericea Lespedeza

Height 1.5–6.5 ft

Saltcedar

Height 3.3–20 ft

Plumeless Thistle

Height 1–4.9 ft

Japanese & Giant Knotweed

Height 3–10 ft

Spotted & Diffuse Knapweed

Phragmites

Height 3.2–20 ft

Height 8–13 ft

Purple flowers

Young seedhead

Mature seedhead

White or cream to yellowish-white flowers

Stems/leaves have milky sap

Large yellow leaves (bracts)

Pink to purple flowers

Purple to magenta flowers

Pink to white flowers

Good neighbors control noxious weeds — If you have questions or concerns about noxious weeds, please contact your local county noxious weed control authority, Nebraska Weed Control Association (www.neweed.org) or Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

WEED AWARENESS

Creamy-white to greenish-white

flowers

Height 1–3.9 ft

White/purplish flowers

White flowers Lavender to white flowers